Rivero notches his first MLS goal in win over Dallas

Commerce City, Colo. - Martin Rivero still had a smile on his face as he walked off the training field Wednesday morning. After setting up three goals in his first five games, Rivero scored his first MLS goal in the Rapids' 2-0 win over Dallas last Sunday .

"The important thing is that we won," Rivero said. "But obviously I'm very happy with scoring my first goal in MLS."

The 22-year-old arrived from Argentina's Rosario Central in February, however he was not eligible to play until the team's fourth game of the season after FIFA stepped in to grant his release from his former club.

Since then he's assisted on game-winning goals by Omar Cummings and Tony Casio, as well as Jaime Castrillon's header last week in New England.

With the Rapids holding a 1-0 lead against a short-handed Dallas side in the 74th minute, Rivero received a cut-back pass from Brian Mullan around the penalty mark. He had plenty of time to completely turn around before hitting a left-footed shot low and to the corner. He then ran to sidelines and celebrated with fist pumped and an emphatic yell.

"I screamed loudly because it was a goal that helped us breathe a little bit," Rivero said. "(Dallas) were playing with nine and made it difficult by playing compact in the back. But we were patient and didn't become desparate, and I think that was important."

Just as he remained patient during his wait to play, he also new his first goal would eventually come.

"My game is not so much about scoring goals," he said. "My characteristics are more about setting them up. But it's always good to score to keep gaining confidence and continue doing well. Thankfully I was able to convert this past weekend so I'm very happy."